Humboldt Fire tops state's priorities

SACRAMENTO — In a news conference today called to discuss the status of four major wildland blazes burning in California, it was obvious top state fire and emergency officials were focusing on the Humboldt Fire in Butte County.

Henri Renteria, head of the Governor's Office of Emergency Services, said the blaze was the most concerning in the state, with approximately 40 residences destroyed and 4,200 threatened.

He said the state would continue to assist the Red Cross in meeting the shelter needs of residents, mindful the county has a large elderly population that may have special needs.

Renteria said the state worked with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Thursday to rush hundreds of cots and blankets to local shelters.

Renteria said 50 police officers from around the north state were also sent to the fire area under state authority to help with evacuations and deter looting.

Cal Fire Director Ruben Grijalva said the Humboldt Fire continues to be the most urgent emergency in the state now.

Grijalva said a death of an elderly woman from an apparent heart attack Thursday was associated with the Humboldt Fire, but Butte County fire officials said the woman, a Magalia resident, wasn't attempting to evacuate when she died.

Col. David Baldwin, director of operations for the California National Guard, said state military officials have sent three large helicopters to the Humboldt Fire, and will work with guard officials in Wyoming to have C-130 air tankers flown here, if needed.

The officials also announced that three fire assistance grants have been approved by the state, and will cover about 75 percent of local response costs to battle the fire.